The Volvo S60 T8 is the latest plug-in hybrid that electrifies performance

When it comes to going hybrid or fully electric, Volvo has definitely exceeded expectations with the S60 T8.

Back in July 2017, Volvo announced that all of its new models launched from 2019 onwards would be either hybrid- or fully-electric. For the past year, Volvo has shown that you can make electric-hybrid cars look lavish and luxe. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s capable of running with some of the other premium car makers out there.

The Volvo S60 T8 is the latest of hybrid- or fully-electric vehicles to come out from the Swedish carmaker.

The Volvo S60 T8 is a reimagined plug-in hybrid variant that is also locally assembled in Shah Alam. Fun fact: it is also Malaysia’s oldest car manufacturing facility. It looks sleek and stylish from the get-go with sculptured sides and contoured lines, giving it a uniquely Scandinavian elegance with a dynamic attitude. Full LED headlights can be found on the front, which gives a greater demeanour to the prominent front grille carrying the Volvo emblem.

Now, this is where it gets slightly technical. Under the hood lies the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It consists of the Drive-E 2.0-litre supercharged engine as well as the turbocharged petrol engine with 320hp and 400Nm of torque. However, this is just powers the front wheels. At the rear, you’ll find the electric motor with 87hp and 240Nm of torque, which also provides an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option.

Powering it is a PHEV 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery with a driving range of 49km and takes three hours to fully charge.

The S60 also comes with different driving modes: Pure and Power mode. The former provides enough zero-emission electrical power for daily commutes and the latter ensures the most powerful response. While in its default Hybrid mode, the car will choose between both power sources, or combine them, to keep you moving as smoothly and safely as possible. There are also different driving styles to choose from like Dynamic, Comfort, or Eco. This allows you to change the responsiveness of the engine, gearbox, brakes, steering, and the stability control system.

On the inside, you’ll find authentic Scandinavian craftsmanship. It has premium leather seats that were made for long journeys as well as a sunroof. It has a 9-inch touch screen display in portrait format that gives you control over the car, which is also connected to the 14-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Sound. Alternatively, you can also pair your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

It’s capable of going from 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 250kph.

Park Assist is one of the latest features on the Volvo S60 T8. For people who are horrible at parking (you know who you are), this car will do all that for you. Also included are the full range of driver assistance and safety features that Volvo is known to have. It’s now available at RM295,888 on-the-road without insurance.

Wi-Liam is a geek at heart with a penchant for tattoos. Never without a drink in hand (preferably whisky, gin, or Guinness), he is also a writer by day and a keyboard warrior by night. On his day off, he masquerades as a streetwear and sneakerhead enthusiast while his bank account says otherwise.